Newcastle now “keen on” 23 y/o talent

Newcastle United had a slow start to their summer recruitment but have now finally completed a first-team signing.

This week, the Magpies agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest to sign winger Anthony Elanga after maintaining long-term interest in the Sweden international.

The acquisition will add quality and depth to Newcastle’s attacking options following the sale of Miguel Almirón in January, and provides Eddie Howe with a worthy successor to Jacob Murphy.

However, there is still plenty of work to be done on Tyneside to prepare the squad for their Champions League campaign.

It is expected that the club will make further signings to ensure they can compete consistently across all competitions next season with ambitions to earn more silverware.

It was also confirmed this week that Callum Wilson has left the club after a five-year stint wearing the number nine shirt in the North East. Reports suggest that signing a new striker is now a priority.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Italian journalist wrote on social media platform X yesterday:

“Hugo Ekitike keeps attracting interest from Premier League with Newcastle keen on the striker.”

“More Premier League clubs remain also informed on situation, after Liverpool and Chelsea calls in June.”

“Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah called in recent weeks but his priority is Europe.”

How much will Hugo Ekitike cost?

Newcastle are familiar with Ekitike, having come close to signing him in 2022 before ultimately bringing in Alexander Isak.

The 23-year-old rejected a move to the North East and opted to join Paris Saint-Germain, prompting Newcastle to turn their attention to Isak instead.

In hindsight, many supporters at St James’ Park will now see that rejection as a blessing in disguise, though it likely left a sour taste at the time.

Indeed, few would dispute that Ekitike remains one of Europe’s most exciting prospects, and he has developed significantly since joining Frankfurt.

During his time at the German club, the Frenchman has scored 26 goals and registered 14 assists over 64 appearances, tallying up a goal contribution every 110 minutes played.

Beyond his keen eye for goal, Ekitike is renowned for his pace, dribbling and passing strengths, as well as being a huge threat in counter-attacking opportunities.

However, it has been reported that securing his signature this summer could cost an eye-watering £86m.

If Isak’s long-term future remains on Tyneside, it would make little sense for Newcastle to commit such significant funds to the centre-forward position.

Liverpool have also been consistently linked with Ekitike and Isak over recent months, so the latest claims of Newcastle’s interest could be intended to prompt the Reds into action for the Bundesliga star.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will follow up their interest in Ekitike before the window closes, and what impact such a move might have on Isak’s role within the squad long term.

However, considering the substantial price tag and the need to strengthen other areas of the team, a deal for Ekitike seems highly unlikely at this stage.